1. Material that is ejected from the stomach through the mouth. 2. To eject stomach contents through the mouth. SYN: SEE: vomitusSEE: melena; SEE: nausea

PHYSIOLOGYThe act is usually a reflex involving the coordinated activity of both voluntary and involuntary muscles. A certain position is assumed, the glottis is closed, the diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract, and the cardiac sphincter of the stomach relaxes while antiperistaltic waves course over the duodenum, stomach, and esophagus.